King James Version

What Does Acts 28:8 Mean?

Acts 28:8 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and p...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”

Acts 28:8 · KJV

Prayer

Context

6

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while , and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

8

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux (πυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερίῳ)—medical terminology describing gastric fever and dysentery, common Mediterranean ailments. Luke the physician's precise description suggests chronic, life-threatening illness. Paul's response: entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him (προσευξάμενος ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ ἰάσατο). Note the sequence: prayer first (acknowledging God's power), then laying on hands (apostolic sign gift), then healing (God's action). Paul doesn't heal by inherent power but as Christ's instrument. This healing reciprocates Publius' hospitality, demonstrating kingdom gratitude and opening doors for broader ministry (v. 9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dysentery was endemic in Mediterranean regions due to poor sanitation and contaminated water. Malta's geography made medical care limited. The combination of fever and bloody flux often proved fatal in the first century. Paul's healing would have been seen as miraculous deliverance from near-certain death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you combine prayer with action in ministry opportunities?
  2. What hospitality you've received has opened unexpected doors for serving others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἐγένετο1 of 24

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα4 of 24

“that the father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τοῦ5 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ποπλίου6 of 24

“of Publius”

G4196

apparently "popular"; poplius (i.e., publius), a roman

πυρετοῖς7 of 24

“a fever”

G4446

inflamed, i.e., (by implication) feverish (as noun, fever)

καὶ8 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δυσεντερίᾳ9 of 24

“of a bloody flux”

G1420

a "dysentery"

συνεχόμενον10 of 24

“sick of”

G4912

to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy

κατακεῖσθαι11 of 24

“lay”

G2621

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

πρὸς12 of 24

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὃν13 of 24

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὁ14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος15 of 24

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

εἰσελθὼν16 of 24

“entered in”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ17 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσευξάμενος18 of 24

“prayed”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἐπιθεὶς19 of 24

“and laid”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

τὰς20 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρας21 of 24

“his hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτόν22 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἰάσατο23 of 24

“and healed”

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν24 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 28:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 28:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:40Mark 6:5James 5:14-16Matthew 9:18Matthew 10:8Mark 16:18

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